Marble man arrested for sexual assault of minor
News, Press Release September 29, 2020
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the September 28, 2020 arrest of 46-year-old Robert Eugene Barnhill, of Marble, North Carolina for charges of sexually assaulting a minor child.
In May 2020 a complaint was made with the Cherokee County Department of Social Services and then to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office of an allegation of sexual assault involving a minor child. Pursuant to this allegation, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation which identified Barnhill as a suspect in the case.
As the case was being investigated assistance was provided by HAVEN Child Advocacy Center, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cherokee County Department of Social Services.
During the investigation, several electronic devices and other items of physical evidence were collected for examination. Additionally, numerous interviews were completed.
The case was presented to the Cherokee County Grand Jury on 9/28/2020 and true bills of indictment for the arrest of Barnhill were issued. Barnhill was arrested at his Marble, North Carolina residence where he briefly resisted arrest by the officers.
Barnhill is currently confined at the Cherokee County Detention Center and charged with SECOND DEGREE RAPE, SECOND DEGREE FORCIBLE SEX OFFENSE, INDECENT LIBERTIES WITH CHILD, FELONY INCEST, and POSSESS METHAMPHETAMINE. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $250,000.00 secure bond on the sexual assault charges and $5000.00 secure on the Controlled Substance charge. Barnhill is scheduled to appear in Cherokee County Superior Court on 12/14/2020.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “This has been a total team effort and we appreciate the assistance in bringing this case to some closure. Due to the age of the victim and nature of the crimes, we will not be making any further press releases in this case.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations, including sexual assault of a minor, of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Andrews man arrested for child sexual assault
News, Press Release September 25, 2020
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the September 24, 2020 arrest of 39-year-old Benito Morales Mendez, of Andrews North Carolina for sexual assault of a child.
In January 2020 a complaint was made with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office of an allegation of sexual assault involving a minor child. Pursuant to this allegation, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation which identified Mendez as suspect in the case.
As the case was being investigated assistance was provided by HAVEN Child Advocacy Center, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Department of Social Services, and Cherokee County Schools. These agencies provided assistance in collecting statements from the victim and witnesses.
During the investigation, several electronic devices and other items of physical evidence were collected for examination.
As the investigation continued an additional allegation of Violation of a Domestic Violence Protective Order was made against Mendez and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Additionally, an arrest warrant was issued for Mendez’s arrest for the allegations involving the sexual assault of the child.
When Detectives attempted to arrest Mendez information was made known that he had fled from North Carolina. Further, information was made to know that Mendez was not a legal citizen of the United States.
Assistance was requested from the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Apprehension Task Force, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations who assisted in locating Mendez several months later in Texas where he had fled. Mendez refused to waive extradition and a Governor’s warrant was issued and Mendez was brought back to Cherokee County where the North Carolina warrants were served on him.
Benito Mendez is currently charged with STATUTORY RAPE OF A CHILD BY ADULT and VIOLATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDER. Mendez was taken before the North Carolina Magistrate who set a $500,000.00 secure bond. Additionally, Mendez has an ICE Detainer which has no bond. Mendez is expected in Cherokee County
District Court October 1, 2020, for his first appearance.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “As you can see it takes a team effort and one of the reasons we work so closely with our local and federal partners. Due to the age of the victim, we will not be making any further press releases.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].